"Brett was the electronic controls expert on
the team that created our History of Mining Exhibit. As part of the team,
Brett contributed significant ideas to enhance the exhibit and make the
most of our budget. The interactive features Brett implemented in our
minarals touch display and in our mine replica have made the mining exhibits
a hit with our visitors. Kids in the school classes that visit our museum
are immediately drawn to these two displays, and the teachers are very
happy with how we've made science education fun and effective for their
students."

Phil Potter, Curator/Educator, Colburn Earth Science Museum

Interactive Mine

We designed and installed the electronic system for this interactive
mine as part of the History of Mining Exhibit at the Colburn Earth Science
Museum in Asheville, North Carolina. Working as part of a team,
our objective was to replace an existing exhibit which was simple and
bland. The new exhibit was to maximize the use of the space and
budget available while showcasing the original minerals as well as some
new ones in a captivating and entertaining way in order to motivate visitors
to learn about the minerals being displayed.

The exhibit simulates a mine shaft where visitors can view different
mineral samples. The dimly-lit “mine” is an excellent place
to showcase the museum's phosphorescent mineral samples. To add fun and
excitement to this educational exhibit, we mounted a TNT plunger outside
the “mine,” then used a strobe light, fog machine, and a thunderous
sound system to surprise and thrill visitors with realistic, simulated explosion.
Following the blast and special effects, the voice of an oldtimer speaks
about the old days of mining in North Carolina, pointing out the mineral
samples which are highlighted with white and ultra violet lights synchronized
with the narration.